About Huchimalli Temple
Huchimalli Temple is an early Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Aihole, Bagalkot District, Karnataka. Built in the 7th century CE during the Early Chalukya period, it is part of the Aihole group of monuments, an important centre of early temple architecture. The temple is notable for its north Indian style shikhara, sculpted mandapa, sanctum with Shiva linga, and a stepped temple tank in front.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a compact early Chalukyan stone temple set on the northern edge of Aihole village. The complex includes a sanctum with shikhara, an open mandapa with carved pillars, exterior wall sculptures of Hindu deities, and a large stepped tank (pushkarani) in front. The surroundings are open and semi-arid with other Aihole monuments nearby. Visitors can walk around the temple exterior, view sculptures, and explore the tank and mandapa at ground level.
Key highlights
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7th-century Early Chalukya Shiva temple with early Nagara-style shikhara
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Intricately carved pillars and ceiling panels in the mandapa
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Exterior wall sculptures depicting Hindu deities
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Large stepped temple tank (pushkarani) in front of the temple
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Part of the Aihole group of over 100 early temple experiments
History of Huchimalli Temple
Built in the 7th century CE during the Early Chalukya dynasty, Huchimalli Temple is among the earliest structural temples at Aihole, which served as an experimental centre for temple architecture. It shows the transition to Nagara shikhara and early Dravida influences and is protected as part of the Aihole group of monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Culture & Context
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it reflects Shaiva worship traditions of the Chalukya period. It is valued as an example of early medieval temple art and iconography and forms part of the culturally significant Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal heritage circuit in Karnataka.
Route
| By air |
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